From the tube to the revolution
From the clunky tube in the living room to streaming on your smartphone, the evolution of the television is a story of innovation and cultural turning points. This journey through the decades shows not only how technology has changed, but also how these changes have shaped our viewing behaviour and cultural practices.
The prehistoric era: the television enters the living room
1950s-1960s: In the infancy of television, sets were monstrous pieces of furniture with tube screens that exerted a magical attraction on the family. Everyone wanted to have the miracle of technology at home, and television quickly became the central entertainment medium. The programmes were manageable and the whole family gathered at prime time to watch shows and news together.
Expansion and explosion: cable television and the multiplication of channels
1970s-1980s: With the introduction of cable television, the range of available channels expanded dramatically. Now there were no longer just three or four channels as the source of all content, but dozens and later hundreds. This led to a fragmentation of viewing habits, as there was now a channel for almost every interest. The era of cable television also brought specialised channels such as MTV, which had a lasting impact on pop culture.
The golden age of gadgets: from entertainment centres to home cinema systems
1990s to early 2000s: The television increasingly became the hub of a comprehensive entertainment system. VHS and later DVD players were connected, and games consoles such as the PlayStation and Xbox transformed the television into an interactive entertainment centre. This period also marked the beginning of home cinema with surround sound systems and larger screens bringing the cinema experience into the home.
The digital revolution: streaming changes everything
2010s to today: With the rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, television moved to the internet. The physical television is about to be overtaken by laptops, tablets and smartphones. These devices offer a more personalised and on-demand viewing experience, further dissolving the collective experience of the early television years. Series marathons and binge-watching are the new norms.
The era of mobility: smartphone and TikTok
2020s: The smartphone has finally taken television out of the living room and into the palm of your hand. Platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have democratised content creation and spawned a new generation of content creators who reach millions with short, concise videos. Viewing behaviour is becoming increasingly fast and fragmented, with attention spans visibly decreasing.
The future of television
The future of television could see a further fusion of technologies, including augmented and virtual reality. These technologies could further enhance the immersive experience and usher in a new era of ‘experiencing’ content, moving away from passive consumption. The journey of the television from a boxy tube to an app on our smartphone is a reflection of the technological advances and cultural shifts of the last seven decades. Each era of television reflects the social and technological conditions of its time and shows how profoundly our everyday lives and culture have been influenced by these black boxes that have become portals to other worlds. Who knows how we will watch television in the coming decades, but one thing is certain: change is only a button press away.
